Chocolate Remembrance

Chocolate was introduced in Europe in 1519. Then chocolate was served as a bitter cacao-bean drink, known as xocoatl.

Chocolate is Americas favorite confection regardless of what form it is in – cakes, cocoa, candy bars, or a coating for various candies or fruits.

Cocoa trees first were present in South America’s river valley. The word “chocolate” and “cocoa” are derived from the Aztec language.

Today’s premium gourmet chocolates are available in many kinds and flavors. There are chocolate covered nuts, decadent flavored truffles, simply wonderful fudge, smooth creamy chocolates, chocolate covered crackers, cookies, pretzels, and pickles; yes even pickles!! Molded chocolate gifts, sugar free chocolates and healthy dark chocolates and delicious fruit cordials with whole berries.

With this many rich, sweet choices today it is hard to remember chocolates’ humble beginnings.
Chocolate is an affordable luxury that can and should be enjoyed everyday!!

Salty Chocolate Caramels

Nothing compares to the unbelievable taste of a fresh made caramel candy. Especially an irresistible, chewy Vanilla Caramel.

But add a sprinkling of sea salt and you will find yourself with a triumph of confectionary genius. A buttery, smooth, creamy caramel covered in gourmet chocolate and topped with sea salt.

Great for gift giving or sharing, if you are so inclined. Perfect for anyone since they are available in milk or dark chocolate.

Chocolate and Candy

Chocolate made sweet and made into a candy.

A small chocolate – covered candy with a hard or soft center.

Fermented, roasted, shelled and ground cacao seeds combined with sweetener or flavoring agent.

Food for the soul.

Candy made with chocolate.

A wonderful food made from ground cacao beans.

A sweet food made with sugar or syrup combined with fruit, chocolate or nuts.

Food of the Gods!

Enjoy!!!

Thinking of Chocolate

When you think of chocolate it can be an over whelming feeling that you have got to have some. The taste, texture and aroma of that rich, sweet wonderful chocolate.

Something you do not need to think about are the chocolate liquor, cacao beans, cocoa butter, conching, fermentation, polishing, roasting, tempering and winnowing. All these things are very important in order to have that end result of “chocolate,” but need not be thought about.
Again enjoy a rich delicious chocolate taste that is so seductive and makes you feel good. A true experience that provides complete pleasure. Having a piece of fresh gourmet chocolate is like having a glass of expensive fine wine. The irresistible textures and flavors of premium, fresh, gourmet chocolate will delight your palate.

Chocolate or Candy?

Some students wrote this article - you can make your own decision.

Has anyone ever told you that you are not allowed to eat chocolate because it is a candy? If you think chocolate is as bad as candy, think again. Chocolate is actually very different from candy despite the fact that is often called it. Chocolate is not a candy because it does not fit the definition, it is healthy, and it is natural.

Some people might ask, “Why is chocolate not a candy?”and first I would tell them, just look it up. First of all, the definition of candy does not include chocolate. This is because the definition of candy clearly includes “boiling down syrup,” which is not used in chocolate. Also, the definition of chocolate is entirely different from candy. According to Webster’s Dictionary, chocolate is, “a food prepared from ground, roasted cacao beans.”

Unlike candy, chocolate can be healthy and beneficial to the body. Chocolate can help you live longer. According to a Harvard University study, men who ate chocolate lived one year longer than those who didn’t. Candy can also give you cavities, but chocolate can actually prevent them. Cacao contains antibacterial agents that can even fight tooth decay.

While candy is an artificial food substance, chocolate is fabulously natural. Chocolate is so natural that you could even say it grows on trees. Chocolate is made from cacao beans that are taken from the cacao tree that grows in Central and South America. Additionally, how could chocolate possibly be considered artificial when people have been eating it for thousands of years? The Aztec people, an ancient civilization from Central America, ate and drank chocolate.












In summary, chocolate is not a candy for 3 different reasons: first, it does not fit the definition, second it is a healthy food, and third, it is natural. Some people might say that chocolate is a candy because it has sugar in it. However, fruit has sugar in it too, and no one would ever call fruit a candy. So next time someone tells you “No Candy,” just pull out some chocolate instead, and if they question you, just explain all the reasons why chocolate is, without a doubt, not candy.

Chocolate Is

-Chocolate is a food prepared from ground roasted cacao beans.

-Chocolate is good!!

-Chocolate is acceptable for any celebration or occasion.

-Chocolate is comfort, for those who indulge.









-Chocolate, that is dark chocolate is proven to be healthy.

-Chocolate is pleasure and can be seductive.

-Chocolate is the food of the gods, or simply a wonderful friend.

Chocolate is many things to many people. Whatever the reason for indulging and enjoying – chocolate does a body good!

More Unusual Chocolate

Why change chocolate? Well it seems that men like some meat with their chocolate.

For instance:
Venison chocolate truffles (dark chocolate and ground salty dried meat. Smokey taste then strong chocolate then a taste on your tongue.)

Bacon Bar (chocolate, salt and chunks of smoked bacon. Sweet and salty on your tongue.)

Other non-meat flavor combinations are:
-chocolate infused with pepper, chili and fennel
-or chocolates flavored with cauliflower, tomato and basil. Even chocolate biscuits encrusted with chicken skin.
-chocolate flavored with various cheeses and containing mushroom pieces.

Chocolate consumers are becoming more adventurous, palates are becoming more sophisticated and consumers are enjoying darker, and more unusual chocolate flavor combinations.

Bubble Chocolate

Something new and exciting, a lower calorie chocolate fix; soon to be in the United States.

Bubble chocolate looks like a regular chocolate bar but is aerated and has tiny bubbles inside.

Available in premium milk and dark chocolate bars, that have a light, airy, and unique melt in your mouth experience.

Chocolate Cravings

Stress and the discomfort of menopause cause women to crave chocolate; not hormones.

A woman’s cravings have been enjoyed by chocolate manufacturers. And they have made special products for the female consumers.

Ingredients in chocolate undoubtedly contains a lot of bioactive ingredients; including a small amount of caffeine theobromine and tyramine. Women rate the sensory aspects of chocolate being attractive - including the melt in your mouth texture, sweetness and fragrant aroma.

Therefore the popularity of self-rewarding and indulgence of chocolate is a means of coping with stress by inducing pleasure.

Chocolate cravings are good for you!!

Halloween Spending is Haunted by Economy

According to a survey 62.1% of consumers are planning to celebrate Halloween this year.

That is down from 64.5% from last year. Consumers are cutting back almost one third this year; do to the economy. The average spent on costumes, $20.75, on candy, $17.99, on decorations, $14.95 and $3.02 on greeting cards. The total spending for the holiday is expected to still be 4.75 billion.

Budget trends for this year - reuse decorations from previous year, buy less candy and reuse costumes.

The candy is the real thing!! 52% of Americans will hand out chocolate, 30% lollipops and hard candy, 19% chewy or gummi candy, 16% chewy or bubble gum, and 14% caramel treats.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without trick-or-treating, so some type of costume is a must, along with the sweet treats.

Halloween - Did You Know?

- Only 26% of homes give out a full sized candy bar. Fun-sized Snickers bars are the most popular Halloween candy.

- 93% of kids go trick-or-treating

- Austin, Charlotte and San Antonio lead the US in Halloween spending on candy and decorations; about $53.00 per household. Cincinnati spends the least, $35.00.

- Halloween is responsible for 3/4 of candy corn’s annual sales. Nearly 9 million pieces of candy corn are produced annually. October 30th is National Candy Corn Day.

- For a Tootsie Roll Pop it takes an average of 252 licks to get to the center.

Caramel Apples

October is National Caramel Apple Month.

A caramel apple is not just a healthy snack (with a stick) dipped in liquid caramel and allowed to cool and harden.

A caramel apple can be a delicious, wonderful dessert. A sweet treat ready to share, with the varieties of coverings being endless.

All caramel apples start with a crisp, fresh apple, usually a Granny Smith drenched in rich, buttery caramel. But why stop there; add nuts, crispy cereal, peanut butter, candies, marshmallows, graham crackers, candy bars, cookies, chocolate chips, and always fresh, creamy, melted gourmet chocolate.

Caramel apples are called by many names: caramel apples, taffy apples, chocolate apples, candy apples, carmel apples, or candied apples, gourmet apples, dessert apples.

Whatever the name or combination they are a sweet crunchy treat that is perfectly caramelicious, and is always better with chocolate.

Chocolate Cuts Heart Attack Death Rate

Survivors who ate chocolate two or more times a week cut their risk of dying from a heart disease – about three times over those who abstained from eating chocolate.

Research has shown a strong link between cocoa-based sweets and a lower blood pressure of an improved blood flow. Specifically chocolate not sweets in general.

In looking for healthier desserts consider chocolates in small quantities. Enjoy!!!

Chocolate - Affordable Luxuries - On a Budget

Affordable luxuries are non-necessities, purchased by trimming the budget elsewhere. Chocolate is an affordable luxury. It represents a way you can live the good life on a budget.

People are not buying the whole candy store - just a pound or a small box.

They treat it as a privilege, to help get them by. They deserve it, and it makes them feel special and worth while. It will lift up their day and spirit.

Chocolate will always make you smile, and feel good. And remember it is good for you.

Unusual Chocolates

Chocolate is superb alone – and can be mixed with many flavorings or have any addition. Some of the newest unusual chocolates are: Tahini, Orange Flower, and Golden Honeycomb. Some real unusual and additions are chocolate covered licorice, bourbon pecan chocolate covered popcorn and fruit filled chocolate.

Obama, M and M’s, and Air Force One

All passengers on Air Force One receive a box of M and M’s. The Presidents is continuing a tradition started by President Reagan. Mars has packaged them special.

But these are not just any old M and M’s. First off they are peanut and they are red, white and blue in color.

They are presented in a small box having the presidential seal and President Obama’s signature on one side and an M and M carrying an American flag on the other.

Chocoholics’ Prayers Answered

Retired dentist invented a chocolate that is good for you! It is sugarless chocolate that tastes good (?) and helps prevent tooth decay.

Once the chocolate is chewed it protects your teeth from food acids building up and creating cavities.

Acting as a seal, the chocolate is supposed to be eaten before and after meals.

Peanut Butter Cups

Did You Know???

that Hershey’s didn’t make the first one

the first one was made in 1928 by H.B. Reese

the first peanut butter cup sold in 5 pound boxes

the first peanut butter cup sold for 1 cent per cup

Hershey Chocolate Company paid 23.5 million for the cup after the H.B. Reese’s death in 1903

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup has come in eggs for Easter, Pumpkins for Halloween, Trees for Christmas and Hearts for Valentines

that it has had many chocolate coatings - white, dark, milk chocolate

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup had a filling to honor Elvis - (peanut butter banana cream)

that spin off candies are Reese’s Pieces, Reese’s Sticks, and the Nutrageous Bar

So next time you indulge, think back to where it all started.

Chocolate in the Near Future

Chocolate will occur more frequently as a key ingredient in main courses. Also cocoa and chocolate will begin to appear in appetizers.

Global influences and flavor pairings will become more important. Chocolate and flavor infusions like herbs, salts, spices and floral flavors. Expect sweet and savory combinations, such as chocolate and cheese duos, and chocolate and bacon on future menus.

Enjoy!!

Slash Blood Pressure with Chocolate Powder

Consuming commercially available cocoa powder may decrease blood pressure and boost heart health.

Health benefits of antioxidant-rich chocolate have received much recognition. Positive findings from a number of studies are impacting consumer awareness.

Results obtained suggest that cocoa powder could be used as a functional food ingredient with potential therapeutic benefit in the prevention of the treatment of hypertension.

Chocolate and the Recession

Chocolate and confections are treats that consumers can count on to be affordable healthy luxuries.

Confectionary Industry continually provides new choices, new experiences and old time favorites that provide moments of happiness that can be enjoyed any time.

Consumers are demanding healthier products; they are choosing portion-controlled treats, and potential heart health benefits of the higher cacao content; for afford-ability and health.

Consumers Lift Spirits With Food Indulgences

Anxious consumers are consoling themselves by seeking solace in tasty treats like gourmet chocolates, chocolate sushi and lavender laced cheese.

Consumers are looking for the smaller indulgences, ultimate comfort foods. People will indulge a little bit to feel better; fresh gourmet chocolates are a way to feel good.

An answer to the economy, and to lift spirits high – enjoy or indulge in an old time favorite – FUDGE! Basic, sweet and wonderful.

Candy Maker to Give Real Chocolate Relief

Mars will take its Real Chocolate Relief Act to one city that America decides is most in need of sweet relief.

Americans can log on and voice an opinion on which city could use a Free Chocolate Friday.

NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch will do the honors of handing out thousands of free, real sized Mars chocolate products in September.

Log onto RealChocolate.com

Le Whif is Popular?

“Eating by breathing,” a concept demonstrated by Harvard professor David Edwards through Le Whif.

Le Whif is an inhaler filled with chocolate flicks consisting of less than 1 calorie.

A little bit of powder on the taste buds gives you all the flavor of a lot of chocolate mass that you chew on and break down in your mouth.

Yes, but where is the fun and enjoyment in that?????????

Better For You

According to the 2009 Confectionary Industry Trend Report:

Twenty-three percent of the experts predicted the biggest potential market in the chocolate segment will be in nonedible products such as, lotions, shampoos and anti-aging offerings.

Gourmet Chocolates at the Top

Some 3,300 new candy products were launched last year.

These new products were a mix of chocolates and those that are not chocolate.

But with the strongest sales was gourmet chocolate confections.

So eat up, we are among friends or at least gourmet chocolate lovers.

Candy Up Before Exercising

Eating candy before you exercise can be as efficient as some other more healthful options; such as fruit for energy.

A sweet treat can help athletes perform better than if they had and empty stomach.

So candy up and exercise.

Edible Post Cards

Edible post cards were sent to Japanese students; wishing them luck on exams.

Nestle partnered with Japan’s post office to create the edible good luck charms, which were only sold at post offices. Therefore they had no competition.

I hope they worked!

Are You a Dark Chocolate Eater?

Do we all love our dark chocolate? We eat for many reasons. Mainly because we love it or can’t do without it.

But there is scientific evidence (130 published studies) that chocolate does reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other food sources are tea, blueberries, apples, cranberries, and red wine, but dark chocolate is the richest source to reduce the risk.

Also the flavonoids in dark chocolate are thought to show beneficial effects by raising the level of good high-density cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, reducing the level of bad low-density cholesterol, neutralizing the harmful oxidation action of free radicals, and inhibiting the clotting action of blood platelets.

It tastes so super good — the beneficial effects appear to outweigh the negative health consequences arising from saturated fat and sugar.

Are you a dark chocolate eater??

Arise Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate eaters (lovers) score higher on measures of emotional and psychological well-being. They are happier, less lonely and have a more positive outlook on life.

What are your waiting for!! With today’s problems and situations, chocolate is what everyone needs.

What is Conching?

Conching chocolate means the smearing and rolling molten chocolate while subjecting it to a stream of warm air. This is what makes today’s chocolates have a mellow flavor and a smooth texture. This technique was developed in the late 19th century.

Conching blends all the ingredients and releases unwanted volatile components. Conching takes several days to complete. In years past and before this practice chocolate was grainy and bitter tasting.

Chocolate Oh How We Love You!

Why? Why do we love chocolate....so much?

As we indulge in chocolate overload the appeal is a combination of rich flavors and a wonderful sensual texture.

Releasing complex flavors and aromas of several hundred chemical components of cacao, real rich, fresh chocolate melts at around body temperature. Although this may take several minutes to fully develop the flavors.

Chewing a piece of chocolate will stop the process. Sort of like downing a good glass of wine without really tasting and savoring it. We love chocolate to dissolve slowly in our mouth to realize the full pleasure potential of the gourmet chocolate.

We all love chocolate!!!

A Chocolate Bar that Says “Hire Me”

With today’s economy and unemployment, people are going to great links to get a job.

One of these is a "Hire Me" chocolate bar which has a resume on the wrapper.

Prospective employers can enjoy some thing sweet as they review the person’s qualifications.

Do Not Store Chocolates

It is best to buy fresh made gourmet chocolates and eat them soon after opening.

You received a big beautiful box of chocolates as a gift. You stored it in the refrigerator, and when you were ready to enjoy this gift – the sweets had a hazy tinge and crystal bumps. When chocolates are subjected to variable temperatures the exterior looks chalky and not appetizing. Also "fat bloom" occurs when the temperature of chocolate goes up and down. Cocoa butter in the chocolates melts and re-solidifies. This re-solidified cocoa butter produces the "bumps", or fat bloom.

Chocolates that are exposed to damp and wet conditions develop "sugar bloom." Humid conditions will condense the surface of the chocolate and dissolve the sugar. When they are dry the sugar will re-crystallize and will look hazy.

Again buy fresh made chocolates; not stored; and eat them soon after opening the package. But if you must store your chocolates, here are some tips.

-If stored properly chocolates may last for a few weeks.
-To preserve the flavor and quality it must be kept in a cool, dry, well ventilated place with little variation in temperature and humidity.
-Don’t store chocolates above refrigerator or stove.
-Store chocolates in an air tight container.
-Chocolate easily absorbs flavors and odors –DO NOT store near chemicals, perfume, air fresheners, cleaning products or any thing else that you don’t want your chocolate to taste like.

A Chocolate Outlet

We have all heard of outlet stores. These are wonderful stores where you can get all sorts of products, stuff or things at low or discounted prices. Not because there is anything wrong with them....they are just not "perfect" or up to "premium quality."

I heard that a chocolatier is now offering chocolate this way. The chocolate is fine to eat, but it is not up to premium grade. It is being sold by weight at a cost of about $10.00 a pound.

Chocolates included are truffles, caramels, chocolate bark and many others. It would be like having champagne at beer prices. Imagine premium chocolate by the bucket – everyday would be a chocolate lovers delight.

More Proof Chocolate is Good for You

Chocolate in small amounts is good for you. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a 18 week study.

Which basically confirmed that a small serving of commercially made chocolate provides health benefits. In the study it was concluded that rich dark chocolate; being part of a regular diet, would lower blood pressure.

A Chocolate Slice for Health

Large, fresh hand chosen apples covered with rich, creamy caramel and then dipped in wonderful, sweet, satisfying chocolate.

Forget the Cake

Summertime BBQ’s, weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties or a quite romantic dinner...what do all of these have in common?(besides a lot of chocolate lovers)

An undeniably, scrumptiously wonderful, old fashioned sweet treat!!! A fresh made, luxurious sweet; that is made with the richest of ingredients and in some cases a generous amount of stir ins.

The commonality to these activities is that they all are time for decadent fudge. Serve up this fantastic sweet, by cutting it into bite size nibbles. Have an assortment of smooth and crunchy chocolate as well as the ever famous peanut butter fudge, penuche fudge, maple fudge and vanilla fudge.

All guests and family will love this rich, creamy, buttery confectionery. Your party, or gathering will be remembered for bringing the thoughts of home, and happy childhood times to everyone. Enjoy!

Chocolate

Forget about crude oil; he or she who controls the chocolate controls the whole world.

Maybe or maybe not.....think about it!

The retail chocolate industry in the United States is growing. This is due to the United States 11-pound per person annual consumption (but trailing behind the Swiss at 22 pounds per person).

Chocolate candy comes in three basic forms. There is milk chocolate which has the least cocoa and most sugar; semisweet, with some added sugar; and bittersweet (88 percent) which has added sweetener. The higher the cocoa, the healthier the chocolate is for you.

Desirable Chocolate

Chocolate contains tryptophan which produces the chemical in the brain used to produce serotonin. In this chain of events it produces feelings of elation.

There is henylethylamine, which leads to warm fuzzy feelings of excitement, giddiness and attraction of others.

Also phenylethylamin which stimulates the brains pleasure center.

More chocolate for all....Enjoy!!

A Chocolate Budget

Some chocolatiers use 30,000 to 50,000 pounds of quality raw chocolate a year. Around 15,000 to 30,000 pounds of cane sugar, and between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds of butter.

Try making a budget for that amount of sweetness and goodness. They make a few hundreds to many thousands of wonderful chocolate confections.

And we all can enjoy wonderful chocolates on our tight budgets! Chocolate is affordable and healthy. And of course remember the endorphins!!

Cocoa Beans

Cocoa beans are grown all over the world. The type of beans and the soil add undertones to the end product.

Madagascar chocolate - floral tones
Venezuelan chocolate - earthy tones
French chocolate - a robust and earthy or fruity undertone

If you let a premium chocolate melt slowly in your mouth the flavors and secrets of the blend will be revealed.

MM's New Shimmer

MM’s are offering a new "shimmer collection." These MM’s feature shimmering golden, platinum and pearl chocolate candies. They are only available online at mymms.com

Great for weddings, honeymoons, anniversary parties, bridal showers and girls night out. The new My MM’s Shimmer Collection can be personalized with photos and messages about the special day.

Chocolate Wonderful Chocolate

Chocolate is and affordable luxury indulgence.

Chocolate is an anytime decadent treat with a comfort factor.